The human distal limbs have a high spatial acuity for noxious stimuli but a low density of pain-sensing neurites. To elucidate mechanisms underlying regional differences in processing nociception, we sparsely traced non-peptidergic nociceptors across the body using a newly generated MrgprdCreERT2 mouse line. We found that mouse plantar paw skin is also innervated by a low density of Mrgprd+ nociceptors, while individual arbors in different locations are comparable in size. Surprisingly, the central arbors of plantar paw and trunk innervating nociceptors have distinct morphologies in the spinal cord. This regional difference is well correlated with a heightened signal transmission for plantar paw circuits, as revealed by both spinal cord slice recordings and behavior assays. Taken together, our results elucidate a novel somatotopic functional organization of the mammalian pain system and suggest that regional central arbor structure could facilitate the "enlarged representation" of plantar paw regions in the CNS.
Pubmed ID: 29022879 RIS Download
Publication data is provided by the National Library of Medicine ® and PubMed ®. Data is retrieved from PubMed ® on a weekly schedule. For terms and conditions see the National Library of Medicine Terms and Conditions.
Commercial vendor and service provider of laboratory reagents and antibodies.
tool
View all literature mentionsStatistical software package for data analysis, hypothesis testing, and modeling. The software can capable perform mathematical calculations (including biostatistics) and graphical plotting such as curve fitting (nonlinear regression) and scientific graphing.
tool
View all literature mentionsAn image processing package described as a distribution of ImageJ (and ImageJ2) together with Java, Java3D and a lot of plugins organized into a coherent menu structure. The main focus of Fiji is to assist research in life sciences.
tool
View all literature mentionsA vector graphics software which can be used to create digital graphics and illustrations.
tool
View all literature mentionsImaging software used to acquire and analyze images from specific Bio-Rad imaging systems. Users can analyze gel or blot features, capture optimized image data, and generate a report of the data. Image Lab software exclusively runs on the Gel Doc EZ imager, Gel Doc XR+ imaging system, ChemiDo MP, ChemiDoc XRS+ imaging systems, Criterion Stain Free imager, and the GS-900calibrated densitometer.
tool
View all literature mentionsSoftware for image processing, analysis, and editing. The software includes features such as touch capabilities, a customizable toolbar, 2D and 3D image merging, and Cloud access and options.
tool
View all literature mentions